My idea of courageous leadership

In the Bible, there is a young leader called In Joshua who led the Israelites to the promised land. He was given this enormous responsibility that his predecessor, Moses was supposed to have undertaken. The journey to lead a disgruntled group of people required courage, strength and wisdom.

At the beginning of his journey, God spoke to him and said, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9 – The Bible). This story speaks volumes to me. The message is that there is a God that called you and placed you where you are. There will be challenges along the way, but these are meant to bring water out of the rock (to allow miracles to happen).

When God spoke to Joshua, he was not referring to external strength that could only take him a short distance. He was speaking about inner resolution: the decisions that we make to stand upright even when placed in a fiery furnace. As a courageous leader, one is not defined by the external influences of the world that are ever-changing but by the incorruptible seed of the word of God indwelling in you.

My idea of courage is strength for the journey that comes from within. It is the conscious decision a person makes to stay true to who they are and what they believe even when it is unpopular. The road less travelled is one of great courage, great strength and ultimately great rewards. The MRF has been instrumental in grounding this truth. The MRF leadership journey is not about the glitz and the glamour. It has a lot to do with ‘working on self’. The programmes have been self-exploratory encouraging introspection and ownership of self which is central in leadership. Facing oneself is something that not so many are accustomed to but the courageous leader. Changing the world begins with changing you, dealing with you and knowing you. It all begins from within!